Wetlands International at CBD COP16
The Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) will be held in Cali, Colombia from 21 October – 1 November 2024.
COP 16 will be the first Biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP 15 in December 2022.
At COP 16, governments will be tasked with reviewing the state of implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Parties to the Convention are expected to show the alignment of their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the Framework. COP 16 will further develop the monitoring framework and advance resource mobilization for the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Monday 21 October
Press conference: Wetlands in the NBSAPs
Wetlands International will present findings of assessment of wetlands in NBSAPs and national targets covering NBSAPs submitted in the advance of COP16, focusing on diverse wetland types and highlighting examples of wetlands of high biodiversity value.
Where: Press centre
When: 17:00-17:30
Watering NBSAPs: Incorporating wetland action into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans for nature, people and climate
Where: Sumapaz – JUSCANZ meeting room; Plaza One
When: 18:00-19:20
This side event will:
- Present findings of assessment of wetlands in NBSAPs and national targets covering NBSAPs submitted in the advance of COP16, focusing on diverse wetland types and highlighting examples of wetlands of high biodiversity importance.
- Showcase examples of wetland restoration and conservation from Contracting Parties, including France and Zambia, and others – highlighting the contribution of wetlands to the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan including targets on restoration, 30×30, species, climate, ecosystem services, and urban green and blue spaces.
- Share best practices and practical guidance for designing and delivering wetland action through NBSAPs, across a range of wetland ecosystems, to enhance synergies across multiple MEAs.
Blue Carbon: Achieving the global biodiversity targets on Kunming-Montreal and sustainable development goals
Where: Amazonia – PLENARY / Working Group I; CEVP Ground floor
When: 18:00-19:20
This side event aims to provide a basis for discussion on how blue carbon ecosystems, mainly mangroves and seagrasses, contribute to the achievement of the global goals of the KMGBF, SDGs, Decade of Restoration and Decade of Ocean Sciences, especially for climate action (mitigation and adaptation), biodiversity conservation, generation of economic alternatives for the communities using these ecosystems, taking into account gender equity and sustainable development.
Wednesday 23 October
Upscaling Nature Based Solutions in Water Infrastructure: The Biodiversity Connection
Where: The Netherlands Pavilion
When: 13:00-14:15
Friday 25 October
From Science to Action: For a Just World on a Safe Planet
Where: Pabellón Colombia
When: 13:00-14:00
The dialogue will focus on the importance of a holistic systemic approach that recognises the interconnectedness between the biodiversity and climate agendas, while emphasising the need to incorporate equity and justice in setting goals and implementing plans.
Conservation and restoration of water-related ecosystems for peace with nature
Where: GBF Pavilion
When: 14:00-15:00
The Freshwater Challenge
Where: Cocora – Subnational and Local Authorities meeting room; Plaza One
When: 18:00-19:20
Freshwater Ecosystems have suffered the greatest loss of biodiversity in the last 70 years, and yet are the foundation of water resilience for people and nature and essential for adaptation to the climate crisis. 45 countries recognise this and have joined the Freshwater Challenge (FWC), committing to restore and protect rivers, wetlands and lakes as part of their NBSAPs, NDCs, NAPs, LDN and national strategies. This event will highlight how these countries are putting this into action, and how we have the data, knowledge and tools to ensure freshwater biodiversity thrives as our rivers are revived.
Sunday, 27 October
Advancing the Marine Conservation Breakthroughs
Where: #ForCoral Pavilion
When: 15:00-16:30
This event will emphasise the urgent need for the acceleration of global action to protect marine ecosystems by convening a global network of leaders across finance, policy, and science to scale on-the-ground action to catalyse transformative change in marine ecosystem conservation and restoration, building on the goals and ambitious targets of the Marine Conservation Breakthrough.
Monday, 28 October
Mangrove conservation and restoration maximizing synergies with climate change control, disaster risk and poverty reduction for coastal communities
Where: Cocuy – Marie Khan Women’s Caucus meeting room; Plaza One
When: 15:00-16:20
This side event will:
- Share mangrove ecosystem conservation and restoration activities by partner country, organizations, private sector and JICA,
- Identify good practices and challenges for ensuring synergies with the multiple ecosystem services, and
- Discuss how we manage mangrove conservation and restoration projects ensuring multiple ecosystem services and contribute to the achievement of relevant national and global goals and targets
Thursday 31 October
Peatland Power: Cultivating Biodiversity, Climate Resilience and Livelihoods
Where: Mavecure – Business and Industry Organizations meeting room; Plaza One
When: 11:40-13:00
This side event will:
- Explore how peatland landscape protection, restoration and sustainable use can benefit of biodiversity, climate and people, playing a critical role in achieving the Biodiversity Plan
- Showcase insightful and inspirational stories and case studies of peatland conservation, restoration and management from South America, Africa, Europe and Asia
- Provide practical routes for including peatlands in NBSAPs, delivering multiple targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework, and enhance synergies with other multilateral environmental agreements
